Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism A/RES/68/178 16. Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Secretary-General on protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; 16 17. Also takes note with appreciation of the report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, 17 which refers, inter alia, to the use of remotely piloted aircraft, and notes the recommendations, including on the urgent and imperative need to seek agreement among Member States on legal questions pertaining to remotely piloted aircraft operations; 18. Encourages States, while countering terrorism, to undertake prompt, independent and impartial fact-finding inquiries whenever there are plausible indications of possible breaches to their obligations under international human rights law, with a view to ensuring accountability; 19. Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Special Rapporteur referring to the compatibility of the mandate of the office of the ombudsperson, established by Security Council resolution 1904 (2009), with international human rights norms; 18 20. Requests the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Special Rapporteur to continue to contribute to the work of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, including by raising awareness, inter alia, through regular dialogue, about the need to respect human rights and the rule of law while countering terrorism and support the exchange of best practices to promote and protect human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law in all aspects of counter-terrorism, including, as appropriate, those identified by the Special Rapporteur in his report submitted to the Human Rights Council pursuant to Council resolution 15/15; 19 21. Welcomes the ongoing dialogue established in the context of the fight against terrorism between the Security Council and its respective bodies, namely, the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, with the relevant bodies for the promotion and protection of human rights, and encourages the Security Council and the Counter-Terrorism Committee to strengthen the links, cooperation and dialogue with relevant human rights bodies, in particular with the Office of the High Commissioner, the Special Rapporteur, other relevant special procedures and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council and relevant treaty bodies, giving due regard to the promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law in their ongoing work relating to counter-terrorism; 22. Calls upon States and other relevant actors, as appropriate, to continue to implement the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which, inter alia, reaffirms respect for human rights for all and the rule of law as the fundamental basis of the fight against terrorism; 23. Requests the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force to continue its efforts to ensure that the United Nations can better coordinate and enhance its support to Member States in their efforts to comply with their obligations under international law, including international human rights and refugee and _______________ 16 A/68/298. A/68/389. 18 A/67/396. 19 A/HRC/16/51. 17 7/8